Wardrobe malfunction

Meaning

Referring to an item of clothing slipping out of place to expose part of the body.

Examples

Her top slipped down in front of the boys. She said it was a wardrobe malfunction but I think it was deliberate.

Where did it originate?

USA. First said by Justin Timberlake to explain the inadvertent exposure of Janet Jackson’s breast during the half-time show at the 2004 Super Bowl.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Wardrobe malfunction